Economy Bench Mount Sky Hook

When it comes to lifting heavy, awkward loads, the Economy Bench Mount Sky Hook industrial lifting devices offer a simple, easy to use solution which requires no external power source. These Sky Hooks can be easily mounted to a bench, heavy cart, machine surface, truck bed and so much more. By simply rotating the hand wheel, you’ll be able to lift up to 500 lbs. without breaking a sweat. As part of the Economy Sky Hook product line, these models incorporate our economical, lever operated friction braking mechanism. The friction brake allows for safe, efficient operation, giving the operator the ability to position the load with precision.

The Economy Bench Mount Sky Hook models have a small 8” round base plate that can be mounted to any suitable flat surface. With a base height of only 8.5” and the Sky Hook able to be removed from the base, the Sky Hook can be easily moved to other lifting locations or stored away when not in use.

The Bench Mount Sky Hooks are available in both roller chain and cable configurations. Be sure to also check out the Premium Sky Hook Product Line which incorporates our LoadLock clutch brake for a more simplified, easy-to-use brake operation.

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Economy Sky Hooks have a simple and easy to use friction brake as well as some additional features making them ideal for applications requiring lower cost solutions. The Economy level Sky Hooks have the same structural integrity and quality of our premium level Sky Hooks. They are built and tested to the same standards to ensure they can consistently and safely lift the required load.

With a friction brake mechanism, the operator can easily lift the load by cranking the handwheel in the clockwise direction. If at any point the operator lets go of the handwheel, the brake will engage leaving the load to remain at that set height. Lowering the load requires the operator to ease back on the brake lever next to the handwheel while controlling the rate of descent with their hand on the handle or by lightly applying pressure of their palm on the outer surface of the handwheel.

Many customers find this brake style to be ideal for their application as it allows them to rapidly extend the chain during rigging. The friction brake is also beneficial for lowering the load quickly and efficiently. Alternatively many larger corporations require a clutch brake mechanism due to its more predicable operation and easily controlled lowering speed for operators who are not familiar with the friction brake lever control.

Economy

Premium

Customize

Premium Sky Hooks are equipped with our LoadLock clutch brake and improved hard rubber casters for bases which utilize 6” caster wheels. This Premium line has quickly become the preferred Sky Hook product line, providing favored brake functionality with the more ergonomic, rotated handwheel location and upgraded base features. Our customers in Canada and the UK/Europe can also enjoy the Premium Sky Hook product line due to their ability to be CSA and CE certified.

Installed on all Premium Sky Hook models, our LoadLock clutch brake provides the seamless, easy to use operation our customer’s expect form a premium lifting device. Based on the industry proven Weston style clutch brake design, the brake increases holding strength as more load is applied. The key benefit to this brake is that no lever control is required to lower the load. To raise the load, the operator can easily crank the handwheel in the clockwise direction. If at any point the operator lets go of the handwheel, the brake will engage leaving the load to remain at that set height. To lower the load, the operator simply needs to crank the handwheel in the opposite direction. The internal brake mechanism does all of the work!

At times the Sky Hooks will be utilized for maintenance and repair situations. In these cases there may be long intervals between uses with a different person operating it each time. The Premium Sky Hooks with internal LoadLock clutch brakes provide the full functionality of a lifting device without the complex training of how to use it.

Economy

Premium

Customize

When ergonomics in the workplace is a key concern, the Sky Hook lifting devices can be easily customized to reduce operator strain and improve posture during use. Studies show that ergonomic environments prevents workplace related injuries due to muscle strain and sustained work associated with high force. Ergonomics is also shown to increase employee productivity which in turn boost efficiency and improves product quality.

With custom Sky Hook modifications like ‘Lowered Dual Handwheels’, the operator can benefit from a handwheel position that is closer to waist height instead of shoulder height. Having two handwheels allows the operator the opportunity to use both hands to crank the wheels at the same time, much like a bicycle crank. For repetitive operation, this position reduces the strain on joints, making the operation faster and easier!

Other custom modifications can be incorporated to improve ergonomics for your specific lifting application. Check out our Customize page for more information on the custom Sky Hook modifications that can be incorporated into your design!

Roller Chain vs. Cable

All Sky Hook models are offered in both roller chain and cable configurations. Each configuration has unique benefits which may make all the difference depending on the lifting application. From the first Sky Hooks built in 1969, roller chain has been the primary lifting tether for these one of a kind lifting devices. Even though cable is definitely more of an industry standard for lifting, roller chain has benefits that have to be considered before making the determination as to which is best suited for your application.

Roller chain offers a consistent rate of travel as the chain passes over a set sprocket size and is stored in the vertical tube of the Sky Hook. Cable on the other hand stacks up on a spool, slightly increasing the amount of force required to lift the load as more of the cable is reeled in. However cable is typically quicker and easier to inspect. Many larger corporations require cable for all internal lifting devices.

Both the roller chain and cable are load rated to meet applicable safety standards. No matter which you choose, you’re sure to end up with a lifting device that will have a smooth and seamless operation.